4,5,10,13 prostatetraenoic acid derivatives

ABSTRACT

Novel prostaglandin dehydro analogs of the PGA and PGB series and the 9-hydroxy-derivatives thereof, which possess a diethylenic unsaturation in the carboxylic acid chain and may be additionally substituted at C-4, C-6, C-9 and/or C-15 by a methyl, ethyl or propyl group, as well as the C-20-nor, bisnor or C-20 alkyl derivatives thereof, the alkyl group being of a straight chain and containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms inclusive, and processes for making same. 9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and 9-keto-15 Alpha hydroxyprosta-4,5,8(12),13-trans-tetraenoic acid are representative of the class. Also included are the pharmaceutically acceptable, non toxic esters and salts of the carboxylic acid function and the pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic esters and/or ethers of the secondary hydroxyl groups. These compounds possess prostaglandin-like activities and thus are useful in the treatment of mammals, where prostaglandins are indicated.

United States Patent Crabb et al.

4,5,10,13 PROSTATETRAENOIC ACID DERIVATIVES Inventors: Pierre Crabb, Grenoble, France;

John H. Fried, Palo Alto, Calif; Ange] Guzman, Mexico City, Mexico Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.

Filed: July 6, 1973 Appl. No.: 377,106

Assignee:

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 6/1973 Netherlands 260/468 [11] 3,873,598 [451 Mar. 25, 1975 ABSTRACT Novel prostaglandin dehydro analogs of the PGA and PGB series and the 9-hydroxy-derivatives thereof, which possess a diethylenic unsaturation in the carboxylic acid chain and may be additionally substituted at C-4, C-6, 09 and/or C-l5 by a methyl. ethyl or propyl group, as well as the C-ZO-nor, bisnor or (-20 alkyl derivatives thereof, the alkyl group being of a straight chain and containing from I to 5 carbon atoms inclusive, and processes for making same. 9- keto- 1 5 ot-hydroxyprosta-4,5, 10,1 3-trans-tetraenoic acid and 9-keto-l5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2),l3- trans-tetraenoic acid are representative of the class. Also included are the pharmaceutically acceptable, non toxic esters and salts of the carboxylic acid function and the pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic esters and/or ethers of the secondary hydroxyl groups. These compounds possess prostaglandin-like activities and thus are useful in the treatment of mammals, where prostaglandins are indicated.

35 Claims, No Drawings 1 4,4,10,13 PRQSTATETBAENOIQ ACID DERIVATIVES The present invention relates to certain novel prostaglandin derivatives of the PGA and PGB series and to a process for the production thereof.

More particularly, the present invention relates to prosta-4,5,l0,l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid derivatives and prosta-4,5,8( l2),l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid derivativeshaving oxygenated functions at C-9 and C positions of the molecule, which may be further substituted at C-4, C-6, C-9 and/or C-lS by a methyl, ethyl or propyl group, to the C-ZO-nor, bisnor or C- alkyl derivatives thereof, the alkyl group being of a straight chain and containing from I to 5 carbon atoms inclusive. Also encompassed are the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable. non-toxic esters and salts of the carboxylic acid function, and the pharmaceutically acceptable, non toxic esters and ethers of the secondary hydroxyl groups.

Prostaglandins are members of a new hormonal system with a remarkable range of biological and pharmaceutical properties. These compounds belong to a group of chemically related ZO-carbon chain hydroxy fatty acids containing a five membered ring in the structure and different degrees of unsaturation, a number of which have been reported in the literature. For a review on prostaglandins and the definition of primary prostaglandins, see for example S. Bergstriim, Re- Recent Progress in Hormone Research, 22, pp. 153- 175 (1966) and Science, 157, page 382 (1967) by the same author.

lrostaglandins are widely distributed in mammalian tissues and have been isolated from natural sources in very small amounts. In addition, a number of the naturally occurring prostaglandins have been prepared by chemical synthesis; note for example, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 91 page 5675 1969); J. Am. Chem. Soc, 92, page 2586 (1970) and J. Am. Chem. Soc, 93, pages l489-l493 (1971) and references cited therein, W. P. Schneider et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 90, page 5895 (1968); U. Axen et al., Chem. Commmr, page 303 (1969) and W. P. Schneider, Chem. Commun., page 304 1969).

Because of the remarkable range of biological and pharmacological properties exhibited by this family of compounds, at great deal of interest has focused upon such compounds. and the preparation of analogs of such compounds; accordingly. we have discovered pro ccsses and intermediates for preparing modified prostaglandins and derivatives thereof.

The novel prostaglandin derivatives of the present invention can be represented by the following formulas:

cooR R (CH2) -CH wherein represents a keto group, the grouping in which R is hydrogen or a conventionally hydrolyzable ester or ether group, or the grouping OH news in which R has the above indicated meaning. or the grouping in which R is methyl, ethyl or propyl;

R represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group of l to 3 carbon atoms or the pharmaceutically acceptable. non-toxic salts of compounds in which R is hydrogen and H is an integer of from 2 to 9;

provided that when R is a the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom is R is B; and when R is B the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R is a; and when R is a the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R, is [3; and when R is B the hydroxyl group, attached to the same carbon atom as R, is a.

The dotted lines shown in the above formulas and in the formulas below indicate that the substituents are in a configuration, i.e., below the plane of the cyclopentane ring.

The wavy lines (1) indicate the a or B configuration, or mixtures thereof.

The double bond at C13 in the compounds of the present invention has the same configuration as in natural prostaglandins of the PGE PGE2, PGFIa or GEZQ passithst he r n se The preferred meaning of n is A'Ll, the preferred compounds of the invention are those having the usual C-ZO carbon unit structure of natural prostaglandins.

These novel compounds possess asymmetric centers and thus can be produced as racemic mixtures. The racemic mixtures can be resolved if desired, at appropriate stages by methods known to those skilled in the art, to obtain the respective individual antimers. lt is to be understood that the individual antimers as well as mixtures of such antimers are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Compounds of formula (A) cover the individual antimers particularly the 8R-antimers, and racemic mixtures as well, while compounds of formula (B) refer to racemates.

When the compounds of formula (A) are racemic mixtures, they are produced starting from racemates, while when the compounds of formula (A) are individual antimers the compounds are preferably obtained starting from the appropriate individual antimer.

For the sake of simplicity only one antimer of each pair will be depicted in the description of the process and Claims; however, it is to be understood that the mirror images for the racemic mixtures and the individual antimers are also encompassed thereby.

The use of the symbol R preceding a substituent designates the absolute stereochemistry of that substituent according to the Cahn-lngold-Prelog rules [see Cahn et al., Angew. Chem. Inter. Edit., Vol. 5, p. 385 (1966), errata p. 511; Cahn et al., Angew. Chem., Vol. 78 p. 413 1966); Cahn and lngold, .1. Chem. Soc. (London), 1951, p. 612; Cahn et al., Experientia, Vol. 12, p. 81 (1956); Cahn. J. Chem. Educ, Vol 41, p. 116 (1964)]. Because of the interrelation of the designated substituent with the other substituents in the compound having a or B prefixes, the designation of the absolute configuration of one substituent fixes the absolute configuration of all substituents in the compound and thus the absolute configuration of the compound as a whole.

The term conventionally hydrolyzable esters or ethers" as used herein refers to those physiologically acceptable hydrolyzable ester and ether groups employed in the pharmaceutical art which do not significantly adversely affect the pharmaceutical properties of the parent compound. The conventionally hydrolyzable esters are derived from hydrocarbon carboxylic acids. The term hydrocarbon carboxylic acid" defines both substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbon carboxylic acids. 'lhese acids can be completely saturated or possess varying degrees of unsaturation (including aromatic), of straight chain, or cyclic structure, and preferably contain from one to 12 carbon atoms. In addition. they can be substituted by functional groups, for

example, hydroxy, alkoxy containing up to 12 carbon atoms, nitro. amino, halogeno, and the like, attached to the hydrocarbon backbone chain. Typical conventional hydrolyzable esters thus included within the scope of the term and the instant invention are-acetate. propionate. butyrate, valerate, caproate, enanthate. caprylate, pelargonate. acrylate. undecenoate, phenoxyacc tate, benzoate, phenylacetate, diphenylacetate, diethylacetate, trimethylacetate, t-butylacetate, trimethyf hexanoate. methylneopentylacetate. cyclohexylacetate, cyclopentylpropionate, adamantoate. glyeolatc. methoxyacetate. hemisuccinate. hemiadipate. hemi-,B,,B-dimethylglutarate; ttCGlOXYtlCCltllC, 2-chloro-4-nitro-benzoate. aminoacetate, diethylamim oacetate, piperidinoacetate. B-chloropropionate. trichloroacetate, B-chlorobutyrate, 'bicyclo-l2.2.2.]- octane-l-carboxylate, 4-methyl-bicyclo-l2.2.2.1-oct-2- ene-l-carboxylate and the like. The preferred conventional hydrolyzable ester is acetate.

Conventional hydrolyzable ethers include the tetrahydrofuran-Z-yl, tetrahydropyran-2-yl and 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yl ethers.

The addition salts are derived from pharmaceutically acceptable basic salts, including metal salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium. magnesium, aluminum and the like, as well as organic amine salts such as ammonium, triethylamine, 2-dimethylamino ethanol, 2- diethylamino ethanol, tris(hydroxyethyl) amine, lysine, arginine, caffeine, procaine, N-ethylpipcridinc, hydrabamine and the like. The term pharmaceutically acceptable refers to salts which do not significantly adversely affect the properties of the parent compound.

The novel prostaglandin derivatives of the present invention can be obtained by a process illustrated by the following sequence of reactions:

VII

wherein R. R", R, R and n have the above-indicated meaning and R represents hydrogen or a lower;

alkyl group, particularly the methyl group.

Formula (A) is a composite of formulas ll, IV and V (racemic mixtures and individual antimers) and formula (B) is a composite of formulas Ill, VI and VII (racemic compounds).

In practicing the process outlined above, a 9-ketol la-hydroxy prostatrienoic acid derivative of formula I (racemate or 8R-antimer) is dehydrated under mild alkaline conditions, to produce the corresponding dehydro derivative of formula II (R H). This re action can be effected with dilute solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal bicarbonate in a lower aliphatic alcohol as solvent, in the presence of water. In the preferred embodiments, the dehydration is effected using a dilute alkali metal hydroxide solution such as a IN sodium hydroxide so lution in aqueous methanol, at a temperature comprised between about 0C to room temperature, for a period of time of about minutes to 1 hour, under an inert atmosphere, i.e., under argon or nitrogen atmosphere. The course of the reaction can be followed by t.l.c. or by periodic determination of the ultraviolet spectrum, the compound of formula II absorbing at 217 mu. The reaction is interrupted when a peak at 278 mp. appears, which indicates that compound [II begins to form. The product is isolated from the reaction mixture by dilution with water and acidification to liberate the free acid, extraction of the prostatetraenoic acid from the aqueous mixture with an organic solvent immiscible with water, e.g., methylene chloride, ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and the like, evaporation of the organic extract and purification of the residue by chromatography on silica gel or thin layer chromatography. In the case of compounds having a secondary hydroxyl group atC-l5(ll,

R 1 H), the acidification is preferably effected with dilute hydrochloric acid, to pH-2- while when the starting materials pe sessth t seins iMR can be alternatively effected by mild acid treatment, e.g., by treatment with acetic acid in the presence of 6 water using preferably 90% aqueous acetic acid. In the preferred embodiments, this alternative dehydration is effected at about C to C., for a period of time of about 18 hours, under argon or nitrogen atmosphere,

however, these conditions are not critical, as the reaction can be conducted at higher or lower temperatures for shorter or longer reaction times, depending upon the temperature at which the reaction takes place. The product is isolated from the reaction mixture by dilution with water, extraction with a solvent immiscible with water, evaporation and purification of the residue by chromatographic techniques, as previously mentioned.

By a further alkaline treatment of a racemic or SR- antimeric compound II (R*'=H) with sodium hydroxide, for an additional peroid of 6 to 8 hours at room temperature under an inert atmosphere, there is produced the corresponding racemic prosta- 4,5,8( 12),] 3-trans-tetraenoic acid derivative of formula lll (R '=H). These compounds can also be obtained directly from the 9-keto-l la-hydroxy pounds of formula 1, allowing the reaction with base to proceed for about 8 to 15 hours, at room temperature, or for l to 3 hours at 35-40C.

Compounds of formulas II or III (Rff'=l l are then converted into an alkyl ester, preferably into the methyl ester, by conventional treatment with a diazoalkane such as diazomethane, at room temperature for a short period of time, of the order of 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the alkyl ester thus obtained reduced with sodium borohydride in methanol solution to produce a mixture of the corresponding 9a and 9,8-hydroxylated compounds of formulas IV or VI (R =Me) respectively, which can be separated by chromatography on silica gel, to obtain the individual isomers in pure form. This reduction is conducted at about 0C to room temperature, for a period of time of about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

By reaction of an alkyl ester compound of formulas II or III (R =Me) with an excess of an alkylmagnesium halide, i.e., using methyl-, ethylor propylmagnesium bromides or chlorides there are obtained the corresponding 9'l: -hydroxy-9 l'-alkyl prostatetraenoic acid compounds of formulas V or Vll (R '=lvle r e spectively. This reaction is preferably in ether or tetrahydrofuran solution, using from 6 to 18 molar equivalents of the Grignard reagent per molar equivalent of starting compound, at a temperature of between 25C to room temperature, for a period of time of l to 10 hours, under an inert atmosphere. In the preferred embodiments, the reaction is conducted by adding the reagent to a previously cooled solution (25C) of the 9- keto starting compound in diethyl ether solution under argon or nitrogen atmosphere, stirring the reaction mixture at 0-5C and following the course of the reaction by thin layer chromatographic techniques, the reaction being generally complete within about 8 hours.

Alternatively, the reaction can be carried out using an alkyllithium as reagent i.e., methyl-, ethyl or propyl- Iithium, at about -7'OC to about 20C for about l0 to 30 minutes, using between l.l to 3 molar equivalents of the alkyllithium reagent, however better results are obtained when using a Grignard reagent.

The product is isolated from the reaction mixture by conventional techniques, such as dilution with ammonium chloride solution, extraction, evaporation of the solvent and purification ofthc residue by chromatography, to separate the 9a-alkyl-9B-hydroxy and 9/3-alkyl- 9a-hydroxy isomers.

The methyl ester compounds of formulas IV, V, VI and VII (R =Me) are converted into the respective free acids of the invention (IV, V, VI and VII R p/zys. Acta. 23, 264 (1957)], or bakers yeast [C. J. Sih

et al., J. C. S. Chem. Comm. 240 (1972)]. Alternatively, the hydrolysis of the alkyl ester group can be achieved with the enzymes contained in the gorgonian Plexaura homomalla (Esper).

The enzymatic hydrolysis with a crude pancreatic lipase can be conducted in a buffered aqueous solution containing sodium chloride and calcium chloride, at a neutral or almost neutral pH, at a temperature of between 22 to 30C, preferably at about 25 to 27C., adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to 7.2 to 7.4 by addition of, for example, dilute sodium hydroxide solution. at intervals. The starting methyl ester compound of formulas IV, V, VI or VII (R '=Me) is dissolved in the previously prepared buffered lipase aqueous solution by sonication at about 37C using from about 0.5 ml. to about 1 ml. of the lipase solution per milligram of substrate. The methyl ester group is readily hydrolyzed within a short period of time, of the order of minutes to 1 hour. The course of the reaction can be followed by thin layer chromatography; when the hydrolysis is complete, the free acid can be isolated from the reaction mixture by conventional techniques, such as acidification with a dilute acid solution, e.g., using dilute hydrochloric or acetic acid, extraction with a solvent immiscible with water, evaporation of the solvent an purification of the crude product by chromatographic techniques.

The hydrolysis with the enzymes contained in the residue of the gorgonian Plexaura homomalla, (after extraction of its content of prostaglandins of the A and B series) is conducted in the same aqueous saline solution used in the case of the hydrolysis with the crude pancreatic lipase, employing from about 5 to about 20 parts by weight of dry, finely ground gorgonian residue per one part of the alkyl ester to be hydrolyzed, stirring the reaction mixture at a temperature of between 20C to 37C, preferably at about room temperature, for a period of time of the order of 16 to 24 hours, at a pH of 7.5-7.7. When the hydrolysis is complete, as demonstrated by thin layer chromatographic analysis, the reaction mixture is diluted with acetone, acidified to pH 4 and the insoluble material separated by filtration. The product is isolated from the filtrate by concentration to a small volume. extraction with a solvent immiscible with water, evaporation and chromatographic purification. as described hereinbefore.

Compounds of formulas VI and VII having a secondary hydroxyl group at C- OH (R H; R Me) can also be hydrolyzed by chemical methods using an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate, under nitrogen or argon atmosphere. The saponification with an alkali metal hydroxide, e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxide is preferably conducted at about room temperature for about I to 3 hours, while the reaction with sodium or potassium carbonate is carried out at a temperature above room temperature, of the order of about 30C to 50C, preferably at about 40C, fora period of time of about 12 to 20 hours, preferably for about 16 hours. After acidification there is obtained the respective free acid, which is isolated from the reaction mixture by conventional techniques, such as by extraction with a solvent immiscible with water, evaporation of the solvent and purification of the residue by thin layer chromatography.

The secondary hydroxyl groups in the compounds of the present invention can be esterified in a conventional manner, to produce monoor diesters, depending upon the particular prostaglandin to derivative. Esterification can be accomplished by reaction of the hydroxylated compound with a carboxylic acid anhydride or chloride of less than 12 carbon atoms in pyridine solution.

Compounds of formulas II, III, IV and VI (R hydroxy-B-hydrogen) can also be etherified by conventional techniques, to produce monoor diethers. For example, reaction with dihydropyran, dihydrofuran, or 4-methoxy-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran in an inert solvent such as, for example, methylene chloride or benzene and in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g. p-toluenesulfonic acid or p-toluenesulfonyl chloride produces the tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy, tetrahydrofuran-2-yloxy or 4"methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy derivatives, respectively.

Although the esterification or etherification reactions are usually effected using an excess of the esterifying or etherifying agents, it is preferable to use al least one molar equivalent of said reagents per hydroxyl group present in the starting compound.

The ethyl and propyl esters of the carboxylic acid function can be prepared by treatment of the free acid with an excess of a diazoalkane, i.e., diazoethane or diazopropane in ether or methylene chloride solution, in a conventional manner, or by reaction with the desired lower alkyl iodide in the presence of lithium carbonate, at room temperature.

The salt derivatives of the prostanoic acids of the present invention can be prepared by treating the corresponding free acids with about one molar equivalent ofa pharmaceutically acceptable base per molar equivalent of free acid. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable bases include, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, B-dimethylaminoethanol, B-diethylaminoethanol, arginine, lysine, caffeine, procaine and the like. Typically, the reaction is conducted in an aqueous solution, alone or in combination with an inert, water miscible organic solvent, at a temperature of about from 0 to 30C, preferably at room temperature. Typical inert, water miscible organic solvents include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, diox ane, and the like. When divalent metal salts are prepared, such as the calcium salts or magnesium salts, the free acid starting material is treated with at least one half molar equivalent of the pharmaceutically acceptable base.

The compounds used as starting materials in the process of the present invention can be prepared in accordance with the methods described in our copending patent application Ser. No. 368,983 filed June 11, 1973 (PA-606) which is hereby incorporated by reference, as illustrated by the following reaction scheme:

JK 0 Jg CH=0 H (c i g 10 wherein R, R, R and n have the above-indicated meaning; R is methyl, ethyl or propyl; R R' imd R are hydrogen or acetyl. PB is pphenylbenzoyl; THP is tetrahydropyranyl and Ac is acetyl. This method comprises the condensation of (2'01- PEG PEG mp0 on a ,'\2 :50 /\/\0R7 (CH CH c i I 2 n 3 i I THPO THPO 0TH? O'I'HP AcO 9H 0 g 0;;0 OH 1;5 =C -Q 0Ac (cH -CH (CH -CH OTHP OTHP' THPO 0TH? 9 R 9 CR8 coon Caz c on (CH -CH 'rnvo 61m? hydroxy-4up-phenylbenzoyloxy-S'B-formylcyclopento cH (cH -g-cn -i (CH3) wherein m is an integer of from 2 to 9, to produce the corresponding l2'a-hydroxy-4'a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy- 5a-(3-oxo-n-alk-l"(t)-en-l-yl) cyclopent-la-yllacetic acid l,2-lactone (2), or the lR-antimer thereof in which the 3"-oxo group is selectively reduced with zinc borohydride to a mixture of 3"a and 3",8-hydroxy compounds, separating the mixture into the individual isomers by thin layer chromatography. The pphenylbenzoyloxy group is hydrolyzed in the 3"aisomer and the dihydroxylated compound converted into the bis-tetrahydropyranyloxy derivative (3), e.g., [2a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-S,8-(3"04- tetrahydropyranyloxyoct-l "(t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent- Ia-yH-acetic acid l,2-lactone, or the lR-antimer thereof, which is reduced to the corresponding lactol (4) by reaction with diisobutyl aluminum hydride in an hydrous toluene, at 60C. The l'R-antimeric or racemic lactol (4) is then treated with an excess of the dilithium salt of pent-4-yn-l-ol to yield the SR-antimeric or racemic trihydroxyacetylenic compound of formula (5, R R and R H), which is converted into the corresponding triacetate (5, R R and R acetyl) by reaction with acetyl chloride in pyridine solution. Upon selective oxidation of the SR-antimeric or racemic trihydroxyacetylenic compound (5, R, R and R" H) with manganese dioxide or 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano- 1,4-benzoquinone a suitable inert organic solvent there is obtained the 8R-antimeric or racernic dihydroxy-keto-acetylenic compound (6), which is converted into the corresponding 6laalkyl-6t-hydroxy derivative (7, R, R and R" H) by reaction with 2 to l molar equivalents of methyl-, ethylor propyllithium or the corresponding alkylmagnesium halides. These compounds are then esterified via formation of the lithium salts followed by reaction with acetyl chloride in pyridine solution, to yield a mixture of the corre-.

sponding triacetate (7, R, R and R acetyl) and the l,9-diesterified compound, which are separated by chromatography.

By reaction of the SR-antimeric or racemic triacetoxy acetylenic compounds (5, R, R and R acetyl) with a lithium dialkylcopper in which the alkyl groups are the same, there are produced the SR-antimeric or racemic allenic compounds substituted or unsubstituted at C-4 and unsubstituted at C-6 (8, R=H, Me, Et or Pr; R H), depending upon the reaction conditions used. Thus, when the reaction is conducted at tempera tures of between about 50 to -78C for about 3 to 7 hours, using 4 molar equivalents of the reagent, employing particularly lithium dimethylcopper as reagent, there is obtained the corresponding allenic compound unsubstituted at C-4 and or (8, R and R H). When the reaction is effected at 0C for the same reaction time, using only about one molar equivalent of the organocopper reagent there are obtained the 4-alkyl substituted allenes (8, R Me, Et, Pr, 5 H). When the above-described reactions with a lithium dialkylcopper are effected upon the 6-'ilkyl triesters of formula (7, R R and R acetyl) there are obtained the corresponding 6-alkyl or 4,6-dialkylallenes (8, R H, Me, Et, Pr; R Me, Et, Pr), depending upon the reaction conditions used.

Upon alkaline hydrolysis of the acyloxy groups in any of the SR-antimeric or racemic allenic compounds of formula (8), oxidation with chromic acid and mild acid hydrolysis of the tetrahydropyranyloxy groups there are obtained the 8R-antimeric or racemic 9-ketol101,15a-dihydroxyprosta-,4,5,l3-transtrienoic acids (substituted at C-4 and/or C-6) represented by formula (9), which are used as starting materials in the process object of the invention.

The l5-alkyl derivatives thereof (10) are obtained from 8R-antimeric or racemic compounds of formula (9), or the corresponding ISB-hydroxy isomers via esterification of the carboxylic acid function, protection of the 9-keto group as the oxime, oxidation of the hydroxyl group at C-l5 with manganese dioxide or 2,3

dichloro-5,6-dicyano-l,4-benzoquinone, protection of the hydroxyl group as the trimethylsilylether (with concomitant reaction of the hydroxyimino group), treatment of the protected compound with an excess of methyl-, ethylor propylmagnesium halide or an alkyllithium to yield the corresponding l5l-hydroxy, l5lalkyl compounds, separation of the l5a-hydroxy-l5/3- alkyl and lSB-hydroxy-lSa-alkyl isomers, hydrolysis of the protecting groups at C-9 and C-l l and final hydrolysis of the alkyl ester group, by enzymatic methods.

The compounds, esters and salts of the invention exhibit prostaglandin-like biological activities and thus are useful in the treatment of mammals where the use of prostaglandins are indicated. The compounds, esters and salts of the invention are bronchodilators and thus are useful in treating mammals for bronchial spasm or wherever strong bronchodilators are indicated. Th es e compounds are also useful in controlling or palliating hypertension in mammals and further exhibit central nervous system depressant activity in mammals, and are useful as sedatives. In addition, the compounds are useful for inducing labor, in pregnancy, and for inducing menses to correct or reduce menstrual abnormalities.

The compounds and/or salts of the invention can be administered in a wide variety of dosage forms, either alone or in combination with other pharmaceutical compatible medicaments, in the form of pharmaceutical compositions suited for oral or parenteral administration or inhalation in the case of bronchodilators. The compounds are typically administered as pharmaceutical compositions consisting essentially of the compounds and/or salts, of the invention, and a pharmaceutical carrier. The pharmaceutical carrier can be either a solid material, liquid or aerosol, in which the compound and/or salt is dissolved, dispersed or suspended, and can optionally contain small amounts of preservatives and/or pH-buffering agents. Suitable preservatives which can be used include, for example, benzyl alcohol and the like. Suitable buffering agents include, for example, sodium acetate and pharmaceutical phosphate salts and the like.

The liquid compositions can, for example, be in the form of solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups or elixirs. The solid compositions can take the form of tablets, powders, capsules, pills or the like, preferably in unit dosage forms for simple administration or precise dosages. Suitable solid carriers include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of starch, lactose, sodium saccharin, talcum, sodium bisulfite and the like.

For inhalation administration, the compounds and/or salts can, for example, be administered as an aerosol comprising the compounds or salts in an inert propellant together with a cosolvent e.g., ethanol, together with optional preservatives and buffering agents. Additional general information concerning the inhalation administration of aerosols can be had by reference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,868,691 and 3,095,355.

The compounds ofthis invention are typically administered in dosages of about from 0.01 to mg. per Kg. of body weight. The precise effective dosage will, of course, vary depending upon the mode of administration, condition being treated and host.

The following Examples illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit its scope. The abbreviation t.l.c. refers to thin-layer chromatography and all mixture ratios used with regard to liquids refer to volume ratios. Also, where necessary, Examples are repeated to provide sufficient starting material for subsequent Examples.

PREPARATION 1.

A. A solution of 100 g. of dimethyl methylphosphonate in 670 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is cooled to 78C. under an argon atmosphere. To the cold solution are added dropwise under stirring and under argon atmosphere, 495 ml. of a 0.1M solution of nbutyllithium in tetrahydrofuran, maintaining the temperature at 70C. When the addition is complete the reaction mixture is maintained under the same conditions for 10 additional minutes, a solution of 58 ml. of methyl caproate dissolved in 187 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is then carefully added, maintaining the temperature at 78C. The reaction mixture is stirredat 78 C. for 2 hours followed by stirring for 4 hours at room temperature, The excess base is neutralized with acetic acid and the solvent is evaporated under high vacuo. The residue is dissolved in ether-water (1:1, 950 ml. each), the ethereal phase is separated, washed with water and dried over magnesium sulfate. The ether is evaporated and the residue is purified by vacuum distillation, thus obtaining the pure dimethyl 2-oxoheptylphosphonate.

In a similar manner but using methyl n-butanoate, methyl n-pentanoate, ethyl n-heptanoate, ethyl noctanoate and methyl n-undecanoate in place of methyl caproate, there are respectively obtained: di methyl 2-oxopentylphosphonate, dimethyl 2-oxohexylphosphonate, dimethyl 2-oxo-octylphosphonate, dimethyl 2oxononylphosphonate and dimethyl 2- oxododecylphosphonate.

B. To a suspension of 1.55 g. of sodium hydride (previously washed with pentane, under argon) in 355 ml. of dimethoxyethane freshly distilled from lithium aluminum hydride is added, under stirring and under an atomsphere of argon, a solution of 7.1 g. of dimethyl 2-oxoheptylphosphonate in 150ml. of dimethoxyethane. The reaction mixture is stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature and 10 g. of lR-(2a-hydroxy-4ap-phenylbenzoyloxy'5,8-formyl-cyclopent-1a-y1)- acetic acid 1,2-lactone obtained as described by E. J. Corey et al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 93, 149l( 1971) are added. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours further, it is then carefully neutralized with acetic acid (to pH 7) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure at a temperature below 30C. The solid residue is purified by chromatography on Florisil, using methylene chloride as eluant, to obtain lR-[2'oz-hydroxy-4'a-phenylbenzoyloxy-S 'B-( 3 '-oxooct-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yl|-acetic acid 1.2- lactone l 'R-antimer of (2) .11 4] and a small amount of dimethyl 2-oxoheptylphosphonate.

Likewise but using dimethyl Z-oxopentylphosphonate, dimethyl-2-oxohexylphosphonate, dimethyl 2-o.\ooctylphosphonate, dimethyl 2-oxononylphosphonate and dimethyl 2-oxododecylphosphonate in place of dimethyl 2-oxoheptylphosphonate, there are produced:

PREPARATION 2 To a stirred solution of 5.34 g. of 1'R-[2'a-hydroxy- -4'a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-S,8-( 3"-oxo-oct-l "(U-en- 1";yl) cyclopent-l a-yl]- acetic acid l,2'-lactone in 36 ml. of dimethoxyethane freshly distilled from lithium aluminum hydride are added 9 ml. of zinc borohydride reagent in anhydrous dimethoxyethane. The reaction mixture is stirred for an additional hour at room temperature, and treated with a saturated solution of sodium bitartrate until the evolution of gas ceases. It is then diluted with methylene chloride, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo at a temperature below 30C. to yield l'R-[Z'ozhydroxy-4a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-5/3-(3"o:-hydrox yoct-l "(t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yll-acetic acid l,2'-lactone in mixture with the 3"[3-hydroxy isomer.

The oily mixture is separated into the individual isomers by t.l.c. using a mixture of benzenemethylisobutyl ketone (2:1 as eluant.

Similarly, the remaining 3"-oxo l'R-compounds obtained in Preparation 1 are converted into the respective 3"-hydroxy compounds, namely1' 1R-[ 2'a-hydroxy-4'a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-S 'B- (3"a-hydroxyhex-1(t)-en-1"-yl) cyclopent-l'ayl1- acetic acid l,2'-lactone,

lR-[ 2'a-hydroxy-4a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-5 'B- (3a-hydroxy-hept-l "(t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l oz-yl]- acetic acid l,2'-lactone,

lR-[ 2 'a-hydroxy-4'a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-S 'B-( 3"- hydroxynonl "(t)-en-1 "-y1) cyclopent-1a-yl]-acetic acid l,2-lactone and 15 acetic acid l,2-lactone and l'R-[Z a-hydroxy-4'a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-S 'B- (3a-hydroxytridec-l "(t)-en-l -yl) cyclopent-l 'aylI-acetic acid 1,2'-lactone, in mixture with the corresponding 3 ",B-hydroxy isomers, which are separated by thin layer chromatography.

Likewise starting from the corresponding racemic 3-oxo compounds there are produced the respective racemic 3"-hydroxylated derivatives.

The zinc borohydride reagent is prepared from 0.025 mol of fused zinc chloride, 0.050 mol of sodium borohydride and 50 ml. of dimethoxyethane, stirring the mixture for 16 hours and filtering the insoluble material under argon atmosphere.

PREPARATION 3 A. A solution of 3.7 g. of lR-[2a-hydroxy-4a-pphenylbenzoyloxy-5 ,B-( 3 a-hydroxyoct-l (t)-enl"-yl) cyclopent-l a-yl]-acetic acid 1,2-lactone in 37 ml. of anhydrous methanol is treated with 1.14 g. of anhydrous potassium carbonate, and the reaction mixture stirred for 2 /2 hours at room temperature. It is then cooled to C. and adjusted with lON aqueous hydrochloric acid until a pH of 2-3 is obtained. Ethyl acetate is added and the organic solution washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated sodium potassium bitartrate solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The residue is purified by filtration through a Florisil column (130 g). The fractions eluted with methylene chloride-ethyl acetate give methyl-p-biphenyl carboxylate and the fractions eluted with ethyl acetate yield l'R-l Za-dihydroxy-S B-( 3 "oz-hydroxyoctl "(t)-enl-yl) cyclopent -l+a-yl]-acetic acid l,2'-lactone.

B. To a solution of 2.3 g. of [2'a4'a-dihydroxy -5B- (3 a-hydroxyoct-l (t)-en-l -yl) cyclopent-l a-yl]- acetic acid l,2-lactone in 23 ml. of methylene chloride are added 2.3 ml. of freshly distilled dihydropyran and 23 mg. of anhydrous p-toluenesulfonic acid. The reaction mixture is stirred for minutes at room temperature, a few drops of pyridine are added and diluted with ether. The ethereal solution is washed with 100 ml. of 50% aqueous sodium chloride solution and then with saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase is separated, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, at approximately 0C., thus yielding 1'R-[2'a-hydroxy-4'atetrahydropyranyloxy-S/3-(3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxyoct-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l a-yl]-acetic acid l,2-lactone. as an oil [l'R-antimer of (3), n 4].

By the same method, from the corresponding lR- antimeric 4a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy compounds obtained as described in Preparation 2, there are produced as final products:

l'R-I 2a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-S ,B- (3"oz-tetrahydropyranyloxyhexl(t)-en-l '-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yl]-acetic acid l,2-lactone,

lR-[ 2'a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 ',B- (3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxyhept-l "(t)-enl "-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yH-acetic acid l,2'-lactone,

lR-[2a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 B- (3"oz-tetrahydropyranyloxynon-l (t)-en-l -yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yH-acetic acid l,2-lactone.

l'R-[2a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 'B- (3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxydec-l "(t)-en-l -yl) cyclopent-la-yH-acetic acid l,2'-lactone and 16 lR-[2oz-hydroxy-4'oz-tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 B- (3 "a-tetrahydropyranyloxytridec-l t )-en- 1 "-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yl]-acetic acid l,2'-lactone.

Similarly, starting from the corresponding racemic 4a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy compounds, there are obtained the corresponding racemates.

PREPARATION 4 One gram of l'R-[Z'a-hydroxy- 4'atetrahydropyranyloxyl-5'B-(3"atetrahydropyranyloxyoct-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopentla-yl1-acetic acid l,2'-lactone is dissolved in 20 ml. of anhydrous toluene. The solution is cooled to 60C. and to the cold solution is added 3.43 ml. of a mixture of 1 ml. ofdiisobutyl aluminum hydride and 3 ml. ofanhydrous toluene, stirring the reaction mixture for 15 minutes at -60C. It is then diluted with methanol until the evolution of gas ceases, the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes further at room temperature and diluted with ether. The organic phase is then separated, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness at about to awdasem 1R:[2. :h.YQ QX.-4' tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 B-( 3 "oz-tetrahydropyranyloxyoct-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cylopent-l a-yl]-acetaldehyde 1,2-hemiacetal [lR-antimer of (4) n 4].

Similarly, the remaining compounds obtained in Preparation 3 are converted into the respective lactols. namely:

l'R-[ 2'a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-5 'B- (3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxyhex-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yl] acetaldehyde l,2-hemiacetal,

lR-[2'a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-S ',B- (3 "a-tetrahydropyranyloxyhept-l "(t)-en-l "-yl) clopent-l 'a-yl] acetaldehyde l,2-hemiacetal,

1R-[2a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxyl5 'B- (3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxynon-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l 'a-yl] acetaldehyde l ,2 -hemiacetal,

l 'R-[2'a-hydroxy-4a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-S'B- (3"-tetrahydropyranyloxydec-l "(t)-en-l "cyclopent- 'l -yl]-acetaldehyde l,2'-hemiacetal and lR [2'a-hydroxy-4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-SB- (3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxytridecl -(t)-en-l "-yl) pyclopent-l ayl]-acetaldehyde l,2'-hemiacetal, as well as the corresponding racemates.

anhydrous ether is cooled under an argon atmosphere to -C. in a dry ice-acetone bath. To the stirred cold mixture is added dropwise 262 ml. of 2M methyllithium in ether.

After addition of this reagent, the reaction mixture is allowed to attain room temperature, stirring for 18 hours further. A solution of 3.8 g. of lR-l 2a-hydroxy- 4'a-tetrahydropyranyloxy-- -5 B-( 3"a-tetrahydropyranyloxyoct-l t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopent-l -yl]-acetaldehyde l,2-hemiacetal in 50 ml. of anhydrous ether is added, and the mixture is stirred for 6 hours at room temperature. It is then poured into ice water and extracted several times with ether. The combined organic extracts are washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, at a temperatue not higher than 20C. The

residue is purified by chromatography on Florisil. The

fractions eluted with ethyl acetate-methanol (90:10) give 8R-1,61,9a trihydroxy-1la,l5a bistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-yn-l3-trans-ene, [8R- antimer of (5), R R and R H; n 4].

The 601 and 6,8-hydroxy isomers can be separated by t.1.c. on silica gel, using a mixture of methylene chloride-ether (1:1) as eluant.

PREPARATION 6 through Florisil I8R-antimer of (5), R, R and R acetyl; n 4].

PREPARATION 7 A stirred suspension of 2.9 g. of cuprous iodide in 75 ml. of anhydrous ether is cooled to about -C, under an atmosphere of argon, and treated with two molar equivalents of a 2M solution of methyllithium in ether. The resultant colorless solution is cooled to 75C. in a dry ice-acetone bath, a solution of 2.4 g. of SR- 1,61,9a-triacetoxy-1 1a,15abistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-yn-13-transene in 75 ml. of anhydrous ether is then added and the reaction mixture stirred at 75C. for 5 hours. The temperature of the mixture is raised to -10C., saturated ammonium chloride solution is added, and the mixture is stirred, for 1 hour and extracted with ether. The organic extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on Florisil. The fractions eluted with methylene chloride-ether (80:20) afford the pure 8R- 1,9a-diacetoxy-l 1a,15a-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprostar-4,5,13-trans-triene [8R-antimer of (8), R and R PREPARATION 8 dryness under vacuo, thus yielding 8R-1 ,9a-dihydroxy-' l 104,15a-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprosta-4,5 ,1 3- transtriene.

PREPARATION 9 A solution of 2 g. of 8R-l,9a-dihydroxy-l 101,1 5abistetrahydropyrany1oxyprosta4,5, 1 S-trans-triene in 60 ml. of acetone is cooled to 10C. and treated under an atmosphere of nitrogen and with stirring, with 4 m1. of an 8N solution of chromic acid (prepared by mixing 26 g. of chromium trioxide with 23 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid and diluting with water to 1001111.). The reaction mixture is stirred for minutes further at IOC'., a few drops of isopropanol are then added to destroy the excess reagent. and the mixture diluted with ethyl acetate. The solution is immediately washed 3 times with sodium chloride solution, dried over mag nesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. To the oily residue is added 16 ml. of a mixture of acetic acid-water (65:35). and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, it is then evaporated to dryness under vacuo and the residue purified by t.l.c. using ethyl acetate as eluant, to give the pure 8R-9-keto- 11a, 1 50z-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, 1 3-trans-trienoic acid [SR-antimer of (9), R and R H; n 4].

PREPARATION 10 Preparations 5 to 9 are repeated using as starting materialsz .4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-9-keto-l 1a, 1Sa-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid and 8R-9-keto-1 1oz,15a-dihydroxy-20-pentylprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid.

Similarly, starting from the racemic compounds corresponding to the above-mentioned l'R-antimeric lactols there are produced the respective racemic prostatrienoic acid derivatives, e.g. 9-keto-1 1a,15adihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid and 9-keto- 1 101,15a-dihydroxy-2O-ethylprosta-4,S,l3-transtrienoic acid.

PREPARATION 1 1 A. To a vigorously stirred suspension of 10.4 g. of cuprous iodide in 200 m1. of diethyl ether, cooled to 0C., is added dropwise a 2M solution of methyllithium in ether, under argon atmosphere, until a colorless solution of lithium dimethyl-copper reagent is obtained.

In a similar manner but using ethyllithium and propyllithium instead of methyllithium, the lithium diethylcopper and lithium di-n-propylcopper reagents are prepared.

B. A solution of 500 mg. of 8R-l,61,9atriacetoxyl 101,15a-bistetrahydropyrany1oxyprost-4-ynl3-trans-ene in 15 ml. of anhydrous ether is cooled to C. and treated, under argon atmosphere, with one molar equivalent of lithium dimethylcopper (prepared as described in part A). The reaction mixture is stirred for hours at 0C., saturated ammonium chloride solution is added, and the mixture is stirred for one hour and extracted with ether. The organic extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on Florisil. The fractions eluted with methylene chlorideether (80:20) afford the pure 8R-l ,9adiacetoxy-l la,l5a-bistetrahydropyranyloxy-4- methylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-triene [SR-antimer of (8), R =Me;R"=l-l;n=4]. J

Similarly, but using one molar equivalent of lithium diethylcopper and lithium dipropylcopper' in lieu of lithium dimethylcopper there are respectively obtained 8R-l ,9a-diacetoxy-l 1a, l5a-bistetrahydropyranyloxy- 4-ethylprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-triene and 8R-l ,9adiacetoxy-l la,l 5a-bistetrahydropyranyloxy-4- propylprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-triene.

Upon saponification of the acetoxy functions in the above compounds followed by oxidation and hydrolysis of the tetrahydropyranyloxy groups, in accordance with the methods of Preparations 8 and 9, there are obtained as final products, respectively:

8R-4-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4.5.13-trans-trienoic acid [8R-antimer of (9), R 32 Me; R H; u 4],

8R-4-ethyl-9-keto-l la,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 3- trans-trienoic acid, and

8R-4-propyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid.

In a similar manner, starting from 8R-l,6l 9atriacetoxy-l l01,15a-bistetrahydropyranyloxy-ZO- bisnorprost-4-ynl 3-trans-ene,

SR-l ,6 9a-triacetoxy-l la,l5abistetrahydropyranyloxy--norprost-4-yn-l3-transene,

8R-l,6l 9a-triacetoxy-l 101,150:- bistetrahydropyranyloxy-20-methylprost-4-yn-l 3- trans-ene,

8R-] ,6 l 9a-triacetoxy-l 1a,] 5abistetrahydropyranyloxy-20ethylprost-4-ynl 3-transene and I i m H pure form [8R-antimer of (7), R '=Me: R, R and I R H; n 4].

l 101,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

4-methyl-9-keto-l lbz,lSa-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoicacid, and

4-methyl-9-keto-l 1 04,1 Sa-dihydroxy-20-bisnorprosta-4,5 l 3-trans-trienoic acid.

PREPARATION l2 A. To a solution of 2 g. of 8R-l,6i,9a-trihydroxyl l01,15a-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-ynl 3-transene in 60 ml. ofanhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added 4.6 g. of activated manganese dioxide, and the reaction mixture is stirred for minutes at room temperature; the manganese dioxide is filtered off and washed with acetone and the combined filtrates are evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The residue is redissolved in 60 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran, 4.6 g. of manganese dioxide are then added and the mixture stirred under the same conditions for 90 minutes further. The manganese dioxide is separated by filtration and washed with hot acetone. The combined organic filtrates are evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, and the residue is purified by thin layer chromatography, using a l :1 methylene chloride-diethyl ether mixture containing 0.4% of methanol as eluant, to obtain 8R-l,9adihydroxy-o-keto-l 101,150:- bistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-ynl 3-trans-ene antimer of (6), n 4], in pure form.

B. To a stirred solution of 1.1 g. of 8R-l,9ozdihydroxy-o-keto-l 1a,! 50:- bistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-yn-l 3-trans-ene in 200 ml. of anhydrous diethyl ether, there is added dropwise, at room temperature and under argon atmosphere, 3.84 ml. of a 2.2M solution of methyllithium in ether (4 molar equivalents). The reaction mixture is maintained at room temperature for 1 hour and then poured into a saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution.

The organic phase is separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ether. The combined organic extracts are washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is purified twice by thin layer chromatography, using a (49:49:2) methylene chloride-diethyl ether-methanol mixture as eluant for the first run, and then a (60:39: I mixture of the same solvents for the second chromatography, to obtain 8R-6 -methyl- 1 ,6 ,9a-trihydroxy-l la,l5abistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-yn-l 3-trans-ene in C. To a solution of l g. of 8R-6l-methyl- 1,6? ,9a-trihydroxy-l 10:, 15abistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-ynl 3-'trans-ene in ml. of anhydrous ether there is added 5 ml. of a 2.2M solution of methyllithium in ether, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 31/2 hours. The reaction mixture is then cooled to 0C in an ice bath and treated dropwise under stirring with 3.l ml. of acetyl chloride and thereafter 6.l ml. of pyridine are added. The resultant mixture is then stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, water is then added and the product extracted with ether. The organic extracts are washed 3 times with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The residue is purified by t.l.c. using methylene chloride-ether (80:), thus obtaining 8R-6i-methyl-l,6t,9a-triacetoxy-l101,150:-

D. A stirred suspension of 1.17 g. of cuprous iodide in 20 ml. of anhydrous ether is cooled to about -lOC under an atmosphere of argon, and treated with 2 molar equivalents of a 2M solution of methyllithium in ether. The resultant colorless solution is cooled to 70C in a dry iceacetone bath, a solution of 1 g. of 8R-6i-methyl-1,6l.,9a-triacetoxy-1 1u,15abistetrahydropyranyloxyprost-4-yn-l3-trans-ene in 30 ml. of anhydrous ether is then added and the reaction mixture stirred at 70C for 5 hours. The temperature of the mixture is raised to -C,saturated ammonium chloride solution is added, and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour and extracted with ether. The organic extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, to afford 8R-6-methyl-1, 9ozdiacetoxy-l la. 1 5a-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprosta- 4,5.l3-trans-triene [8R-antimer of (8), R H; R Me; n z 4].

E. A mixture of 550 mg. of 8R-6-methyl-l, 9adiacetoxy-l l 04,15abistetrahydropyranyloxyprosta- 4.5.13-trans-triene. 250 mg. anhydrous potassium carbonate and 10 ml. of anhydrous methanol is stirred at room temperature for [8 hours, under an argon atmosphere. The solvent is then eliminated under reduced pressure. water is added and the product extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford 8R-6-methyl-l ,9ozdihydroxy- Upon oxidation of the latter compound with 8N chromic acid followed by hydrolysis of the tetrahydropyranyloxy functions with aqueous 65% acetic acid, in accordance with the methods of Preparation 9, there is produced 8R-6-methyl-9-keto-1 104,150:- dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid [8R- antimer of (9), R H; R Me; n 4].

Likewise, by repeating the procedure described in this Preparation starting from:

8R-1 ,6),9q-trihydroxy-1 104,150:-

histetrahydropyranyloxy--bisnorprost-4-ynl 3' trans-ene,

8R-l ,6 1,9a-trihydroxy-1 101,150:-

bistetrahydropyranyloxy-20-norprost-4-yn-13- trans-ene.

8R- 1 ,6 l ,9a-trihydroxy-l 101,150!- bistetrahydroxypyranyloxy-20-methylprost-4-ynl3-trans-ene.

8R-l,61,9a-trihydroxy-l la,15a-

bistetrahydropyranyloxy-20-ethylprost-4-yn-13- trans-ene,

8R-1,6l ,9a-trihydroxy-l 1 01,1501- bistetrahydropyranyloxy-20-pentylprost-4-yn-13- trans-ene,

1,61,9a-trihydroxy-l 111,150:-

bistetrahydropyranyloxyprost4-yn- 1 3-trans-ene,

1,61,9a-trihydroxy-l 1 (1,1501- bistetrahydropyranyloxy-20-ethylprost-4-yn-13- trans-ene and 1,6 ,9a-trihydroxy-l 111,150:-

bistetrahydropyranyloxy-20-norprost4-ynl 3- trans-ene,

there are obtained as final products:

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l 1a,l5a-dihydroxy-20- bisnorprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l 10,lSadihydroxy-20-norpros ta-4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6,20-dimethyl-9-keto-l la,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,1 B-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l 101,1 5a-dihydroxy-20- ethylprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20- pentylprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid.

6-methyl-9-keto-l la,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4.5.l3-

trans-trienoic acid,

6-methyl-9-keto-l la,1Sa-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid and 6-methyl-9-keto-1 1a,1Sa-dihydroxy-20-norprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid, respectively.

In a similar manner but using ethyllithium and propyllithium in place of methyllithium in part C of this Preparation, the corresponding o-ethyl and 6-propyl prostatrienoic acid compounds are produced.

PREPARATION 13 A solution of 100 mg. of 8R-6'l-methyl-1,6t,9a-

triacetoxy-l la,15a-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprost- 4-yn-l3-trans-ene in 3 ml. of anhydrous ether is cooled to 0C and treated, under argon atmosphere, with one molar equivalent of lithium dimethylcopper, (prepared as described in part A of Preparation 1 1). The reaction mixture is stirred for 5 hours of 0C. saturated ammonium chloride solution is added, and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour and extracted with ether. The organic extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on Florisil. The fractions eluted with methylene chloride-ether (:20) afford the pure 8R-4,6-dimethyl-l,9a-diacetoxyl 101,15a-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprosta-4,5 .1 3- trans-triene [SR-antimer of (8), R and R Me; n 4].

Upon saponification of the acetoxy functions in the latter compound, followed by oxidation and hydrolysis of the tetrahydropyranyloxy groups, in accordance with the methods of Preparations 8 and 9, there is produced as final product 8R-4,6-dimethyl-9-keto- 11a, 1 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid [SR-antimer of (9), R and R Me; n 4].

ln a similar manner but using lithium diethylcopper and lithium dipropylcopper in lieu of lithium dimethyl copper there are obtained as final products 8R-4-ethyl- 6-methyl-9-keto-1 l 01,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3- trans-trienoic acid and 8R-4-propyl-6-methyl-9-keto- 1 1a,]5a-dil1ydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid, respectively.

Likewise, starting from 61-methyl-1,6l,9atriacetoxy- 1 111,1Sa-bistetrahydropyranyloxyprosta-4- yn-13-trans-ene, using in the first step the appropriate lithium dialkylcopper reagent, there are produced:

4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-l 101,1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid. 4-ethyl-6-methyl-9-keto-1 la,15a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid and 4-propyl-6-methyl-9-keto-l 1a,15a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid.

PREPARATION 14 A. To a solution of 500 mg. of 8R-9-keto-l 101,15adihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid in 10 ml. of methylene chloride is added an excess of ethereal diazomethane and the reaction mixture is kept at room temperature for 30 minutes. It is then evaporated to dryness under vacuo, to yield 8R-9-keto-1 1a,150z dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester.

B. To a solution of 400 mg. of 8R-9-keto-1 101,150:- dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester in 3 ml. of methanol is added a solution of 400 mg. of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and 500 mg. of sodium acetate in 10 ml. of methanol-water 1:1 The resulting reaction mixture is kept at room temperature for 18 hours under an argon atmosphere and the solvent is then eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue is taken up in water and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate. the organic phase is separated, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried under magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo, thus obtaining 8R-9-hydroxyimino- 1 101,1 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester. g

C. To a solution of 400 mg. of 8R-9-hydroxyimino- 1 101,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester in 8 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added 1.6 g. of activated manganese dioxide, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 6 hours, the manganese dioxide is filtered off and washed with acetone and the combined filtrates are evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is redissolved in tetrahydrofuran and stirred with another 1.6 g. batch of manganese dioxide as above, repeating the operation twice. After final evaporation of the solvent and purification of the residue by chromatography on Florisil there is obtained the pure 8R-hydroxyiminol 1a,-hydroxy-l5 keto-prosta-4,5,13-trans-trienoic 1'' acid methyl ester. 7 g

D. To 280 mg. of 8R-9-hydroxyimino-1 lahydroxy l 5ket0prosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester are added 6 ml. ofa 1:1) mixture of N-trimethylsilyldiethylamine and anhydrous acetone, and the reaction mixture is kept at room temperature, under an argon atmosphere for 6 hours. The reaction mixture is then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and the oily residue is dissolved in 10 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. The resulting solution is cooled to 7 8C and treated dropwise, under an argon atmosphere with 1,4 ml. of 2N methylmagnesium bromide in ether, maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture below 6()C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 78C for 5 hours further. diluted with saturated ammonium chloride solution and extracted with ether. The organic extract is washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The residue is dissolved in 10 ml. of 70% aqueous methanol and treated with 0.1 ml. of a mixture of acetic acid-water (0.213) and the reaction mixture is kept at 0C for 18 hours. It is then evaporated to dryness under vacuo and the residue purified by thin layer chromatography using ethyl acetate-etherv (75:25) as eluant, thus obtaining the individual isomers, i.e., 8R-9-hydroxyimino-1 la,15oz-dihydroxy- B-methylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R-9-hydroxyimino-1 1a,] SB-dihydroxy-l 5amethylprosta-4.5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester in pure foam.

E. To a stirred solution of 151) mg. of 8R hydroxyimino-l 1a,]Sa-dihydroxy-ISB-methylprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester in 3 ml. of methanol is added a solution of mg. of thallium (111) nitrate in 3 ml. of methanol. The reaction mixture is stirredat room temperature for 10 minutes, and the formed precipitate separated by filtration and washed with methanol. To the filtrate are added 5 ml. of dilute acetic acid and the mixture is stirred for 5 minutes, it is then extracted with ether and the organic extract washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on Florisil. The fractions eluted with diethyl ether-ethyl acetate (9:1) afford the pure 8R-9- keto-l 1a,15a-dihydroxy-15,8-methylprosta-4,5,13- trans-trienoic acid methyl ester [8R'antimer of the methyl ester of 10), R and R H; R=,8-Me; n 4] Similarly,8R-9-hydroxyimino-1 101,1 SB-dihydroxy- 15a-methylprosta4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester is converted into 8R-9-keto-1la,l5B-dihydroxy- 15a-methylprosta-4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester.

By repeating the procedures described in this Preparation but using as starting materials in Part A the compounds listed below:

8R-4-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l 101,1Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid, 8R-4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-1 111,1Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid, 8R-4-propyl-6-methyl-9-keto-1 101,1 5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid, 8R-9-ket0-l l01,15oz-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid, 8R-6-ethyl-9-keto-1 1 01,15a-dihydroxy-20-norprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l 101,15 a-dihydroxy-ZO- pentylprosta-4,5,13-trans-trien0ic acid,

9-keto-1 la,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,13-transtrienoic acid,

9-keto-l la,15a-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5,13-

trans-trienoic acid,

4methyl-9-keto-l 101,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,13-

trans-trienoic acid,

6-methyl-9-keto-l 104,15oz-dihydroxyprosta-4.5,l 3-

trans-trienoic acid,

4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-1 101,1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid,

4-methyl-9-keto-l 1a,] 5a-dihydroxy-2(l-ethylprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid,

6-methyl-9-keto-1 l01,15a-dihydroxy-Z()-ethylprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid, 6-methyl-9-keto- 1 101,1 5a-dihydroxy-20-norpr0sta-4,5 ,13-transtrienoic acid and 4-propyl-6-methyl-9-keto-l 101,1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid, there are obtained as final products:

8R-4,15B-dimethy1-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R- 14,15a-dimethy1-9-keto-1 1a,15B-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester; 8R6,1Sfl-dimethyl-Q-keto-l la,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and SR- 6,15a-dimethyl-9-keto-l la,15B-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

8R-4,6, l B-trimethyl-9keto-l la, l 511- dihydroxyprosta4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R-4,6,l5a-trimethyl-9-keto-l la,l5B- dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3'trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

8R-4-propyl-6, l 5B-dimethyl-9-keto-l l 01,1501- dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R-4-propyl-6,lSwdimethyl-9-keto- 1 la, 1 5B-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

8R-9-keto-l l01,1Sa-dihydroxy-lSB-methyl-ZO- ethylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R-9-keto-l la,l SB-dihydroxy-l Sa-methyl-ZO- ethylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

8R-6-ethyl-l5B-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy -norprosta-4,5.l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R-6-ethyl-l5a-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5,8- dihydroxy-20-norprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

8R-6,l5B-dimethyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20- pentylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 8R-6,l5oz-dimethyl-9-keto-l101,153- dihydroxy-20-pentylprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-lSB-methylprosta- 4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 9-ketol la,l5B-dihydroxy, trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

9'keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-lSB-methyl-ZO- ethylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 9-keto4 la, 1 SB-dihydroxyl Sa-ethylprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

4.15/3-dimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4.5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 4,150:- dimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 5,8-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3- trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

6, l 5B-dimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta 4,5,l3-transtrienoic acid methyl ester and 6,150:- dimethyl-Jketo-l 101,1 5B-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 3- trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

4,6,l 5/3-trimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 4,6,15- a-trimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 SB-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

4,1SB-dimethyl-J-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20- ethylprosta-4,5,l3'trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 4,15a-dimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 SB-dihydroxy- 20-ethylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

6,15B-dimethyl-9-keto-l la,l Sa-dihydroxy-ZO- ethylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 6,l50z-dimethyl-9-keto-lla,l5B-dihydroxy- 20-ethylprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester;

6,15fi-dimethyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20- norprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester, and 6, l 5a-dimethyl-9-keto-l la,l5B-dihydroxy- 20-norprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid and 4-propyl-6,l5B-dimethyl-9-keto-l101,150:-

dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester and 4-propyl-6,l5a-dimethyl-9-ketol 1a,] 5B-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester, respectively.

Likewise, but using ethylmagnesium bromide and propylmagnesium bromide in lieu of methylmagnesium l5a-methylprosta-4,5, l 3

bromide in part D of this Preparation, the corresponding l5J-ethyl and l5l-propyl compounds are obtained.

PREPARATION l5 A. A suspension of 4 g. of crude pancreatic lipase' (Sigma L-3l26) in 40 ml. of 0.1M sodium chloride and 0.05M calcium chloride solution in water is stirred at 25C for 1 hour. The mixture is then centrifuged for 1 hour at 5000 rev/min and at 25 to 30C. The superna tant is neutralized with lN sodium hydroxide solution to pH 7.2 to 7.4 and used directly for the hydrolysis of the prostaglandin derivatives of the invention.

B. Forty-two milligrams of 8R-9-keto-l la,l 5adihydroxy-l 5B-methylprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester are dissolved by sonication at 37C for 20 minutes in 30 ml. of the lipase solution prepared as described in part A. The reaction mixture is magnetically stirred for 15 minutes at 25 to 27C, adjusting constantly the pH at 7.2 to 7.4 during the reaction period with 1N sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction mixture is cooled to 0C and acidified to pH 5, and the product extracted several times from the solution with ethyl acetate and ether. The combined organic extracts are dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The residue is dissolved in methylene chloride and chromatographed on 3 g. of Florisil. The column is eluted successively with methylene chloride-diethyl ether mixtures, diethyl ether, diethyl etherethyl acetate mixtures, pure ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate-methanol (:20). The fractions eluted with the latter solvent mixture afford the pure 8R-9-keto- Ha, 1 5a -dihydroxyl 5/3-methylprosta-4,5,l 3-transtrienoic acid [8R-antimer of 10), R and R H; R ,B-Me; n 4].

In a similar manner by following the above procedure, the remaining methyl ester compounds obtained in Preparation 14 are converted into the corresponding free prosta-trienoic acids.

PREPARATION l6 Preparations 3 through 9 are repeated using l'R- [2 'a-hydroxy-4'a-p-phenylbenzoyloxy-S B4 3 "B- hydroxyoct-l (t)-en-l "-yl) cyclopentl 'a-yl) acetic acid l,2'-lactone as starting material obtaining successively: V

, tions described in Preparation l lpartsA B and C, to

produce 8R-9-hydroxyimino-l la-hydroxyl kctoprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid methyl ester, identical to the compound obtained in part C of said Preparation.

EXAMPLE 1 A solution of 250 mg. of 8R-9-keto-l la,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid in ml. of methanol is cooled to 0C and treated dropwise under argon atmosphere, with 10 ml. of a 1N solution of sodium hydroxide in methanol-water lzl The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred at this temperature, following the course of the reaction by t.l.c. and ultraviolet absorption determination in aliquots taken every 10 minutes. After 1 hour the reaction mixture is diluted with water, acidified with hydrochloric acid to pH 2, and extracted three times with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts are dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The oily residue is purified by chromatography on silica gel, to obtain 8R-9-keto-l5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,1B-transtetraenoic acid (SR-antimer of I], R R and Rf' l l n 4) and small amount of 9-keto-lSa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12 l3-trans-tetraenoic acid in pure form (III, R, R and R =H;

By the same method, 8R-4-ethyl-9-keto-l la,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4-propyl-9-keto-l la,15a,-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20- bisnorprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid, and

8R-4,20-dimethyl-9-keto-l 1 01,1 5a-dihydroxypros'ta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid, are converted respectively into:

8R-4-ethyl-9-ketol 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,l0, l 3- trans-tetrenoic acid,

8R-4-propyl-9-ketol 5a-hydoxyprosta-4,5,l0, l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9-keto-l 5a-hydroxy-20-bisnorprosta- 4,5,l(),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid and 8R-4,20-dimethyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxyprosta- 4.5.10.13-trans-tetraenoic acid, obtaining in each case a small amount of the corresponding prosta- 4,5,8( l2),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid isomeric compounds. I

EXAMPLE 2 A mixture of 85 mg. of 8R-9-keto-l la,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid and 3 ml. of 90% aqueous acetic acid is stirred at 60C, under an at mosphere of argon for 18 hours. The solvent is then eliminated under reduced pressure, at a temperature not higher than 20C. The oily residue is dissolved in a methylene chloride and purified by chromatography on Florisil. The fractions eluted with ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate methanol (9:1) afford the pure SR-Q- keto-l5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid, identical to the compound obtained in Example 1.

In a similar manner, starting from 8R-9-keto-l 101,1Sa-dihydroxy-20-bisnorprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-9-keto-l 1a,] 5a-dihydroxy-ZO-norprosta-4,5, l 3- trans-trienoic acid,

8R-9-keto-l l04,1Sat-dihydroxy-ZO-methylprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-9-keto-l la,lSa-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,] 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-9-l l01,1Sa-dihydroxy-ZO-pentylprosta-4,5, l 3- trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4'methyl-9-keto-l 101,1Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20 ethylprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l la,l5a-dihydroxy-20- bisnorprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6,20-dimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9keto-l la, l Sa-dihydroxy-ZO- pentylprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,1 3-trans-trienoic acid and 8R-4-ethyl-(a-methyl-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid, there are produced, respectively:

8R-9-keto-l 5a-hydroxy-20-bisnorprosta-4,5, l 0,1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-9-ketol 5a-hydroxy-20-norprosta-4,5, l 0,l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-9-keto-l5a-hydroxy-20-methylprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-9-ketol 5a-hydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5,l0,l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-9-keto-l 5a-hydroxy-20-pentylprosta-4,5, l 0, l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9-ketol 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5, l 0, l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxy-20-norprosta- 4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9-keto- 1 5a-hydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,l0,l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-keto-l 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5 l (l, l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-ketol 5a-hydroxy-20-bisnorprosta- 4,5,10,]3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6,20-dimethyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxyprosta- 4,5 l 0, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9-ketol 5a-hydroxy-20-pentylprosta- 4,5,l0,l S-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6-dimethyl-9-ketol Sa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid and 8R-4-ethyl-6-methyl-9-keto-l50z-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,l0,l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid.

EXAMPLE 3 A solution of mg. of 8R-9-keto-lla,l5adihydroxy-l 5fl-methylprosta-4,5,l 3-trans-trienoic acid in 5 ml. of methanol is cooled to C and treated dropwise under argon atmosphere with ml, of a 1N solution of sodium hydroxide in methanol-water (1:1). The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature under stirring, taking aliquots at minutes inter- 5 vals to determine the ultraviolet spectrum. After 1 hour, the reaction mixture is diluted with water, cooled to 5C and acidified with 10% aqueous acetic acid. The reaction mixture is then extracted 3 times with methylene chloride and the combined organic extracts are washed well with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by chromatography on silica gel affords the pure 8R-9-keto-l SB-methyl-l5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- nets ra n i @fiamimer of LRLR a d n 4) and a small amount of 9-keto-I5B-methyI-l5ahydroxyprosta-4,5,8( I2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid (III, R, R and R H;

In a similar manner, but using 8R-4,l5B-dimethyI-9- keto-l I 01,1 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, I 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6,I5B-dimethyI-9-keto-l Ia,l5a-dihydroxyprostat-4,5,13-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4,6,l5/3-trimethyI-9-keto-l 111,150!- dihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-4-propyl-6,l5B-dimethyI-9-keto-I 101,150:- dihydroxyprosta-4,5,I 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-l5B-methyI-9-keto-l Ia,I5a-dihydroxy-20- ethyIprosta-4,5, I 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6-ethyl l 5B-methyl-9-keto-l I a, l Sa-dihydroxy- 20-norprosta-4,5,IB-trans-trienoic acid,

8R-6,15/3-dimethyI-9-keto-l 1a,] Sa-dihydroxy-ZO- pentylprosta 4,5, I 3-trans-trienoic acid,

8R- I SB-ethyl-Q-keto-l I a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5. l 3-trans-trienoic acid and 8R- 1 5B-propyI-9-keto-l la, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5, l 3-trans-trienoic acid as starting materials there are respectively obtained:

8R-4, I 5B-dimethyI-9-keto-I Sa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5 I 0.1 3-transtetraenoic acid,

SR-(i, l 5,8-dimethyI-9-keto- I Sa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,I0, I 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6, l 5 B-trimethyI-9-keto- I Sa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,IO,13-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-propyI-6, I 5,8-dimethyI-9-keto- 1 5ahydroxyprosta-4,5, 10, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R- I 5 B-methyl-9-keto- I 5a-hydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,10,13 -trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6-ethyl-l5B-methyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxy-20- norprosta-4,5, 10,1 3-trans-te traenoic acid,

8R-6, I 5B-dimethyI-9-ketol 5a-hydroxy-20- pentylprosta-4,5, l 0,l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R- 1 5B-ethyl-9-ketol 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5, l 0,1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid and 8R- l SB-propyIS -kett I Sa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,l(),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid, and small amounts of the corresponding prosta-4.5,8( I 2 l 3-transtetraenoic acid isomeric compounds.

Likewise, starting from the corresponding 8R-l5aalkyl- 1 5B-hydroxyprosta-4,5,I 3-trans-trienoic acids there are obtained the respective SR-ISa-alkyI-ISB- hydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid derivatives as main products.

EXAMPLE 4 A solution of 250 mg. of 8R-9-keto-I5ahydroxyprosta-4,5,I0,I3-trans-tetraenoic acid in I0 ml. of methanol iscooled to 0C and treated dropwise under argon atmosphere, with 10 ml. of a IN solution of sodium hydroxide in methanol-water (1:1). The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 8 hours under these conditions. It is then diluted with water, acidified with hydrochloric acid to pH-2 and extracted several times with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts are dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The oily residue is purified by chromatography on silica gel, to produce the pure 9-keto-I Sa-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8(I2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid (III, R, R ndR H;

H R 1--.. H.

In a similar manner starting from 8R-9-keto-I5/3 methyl- 1 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5 I 0,1 3-trans-tetraenoic acid but using dilute acetic acid instead of hydrochloric acid for liberating the free prostaglandin derivative from its sodium salt formed during the reaction with sodium hydroxide, there is obtained 9-keto-l5,8methyll5cx-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8( I 2), IS-trans-tetraenoic acid KILL BJ.R"?., LI Q.R" HL n ---o;u,

will. EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 6 By following the methods of Examples 4 or 5 starting from the corresponding 9-keto-I Ia,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,l3-trans-trienoic acid derivatives having additional alkyl groups at C-4, C-6 and/or C-l5 or the corresponding 1 l-desoxy-lO-dehydro analogs thereof there are produced the following compounds:

4-methyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

6-methyI-9 keto-I 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l 2), l3-

trans-tctracnoic acid,

4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-l a-hydroxyprosta-4,5 ,8( l2 l3-transtetraenoic acid,

9ketol 5a-hydroxy-20-bisnorprosta-4,5,8( 12 l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

9-keto-15a-hydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5,8( 12), 13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

9'ketol 5a-hydroxy-20-pentylprosta-4,5.,8( l2 l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

6-methyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxy-20-bisnorprosta- 4,5,8( 1 2),! 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

4-methyl-9-keto-l 5a-hydroxy-20-norprosta- 4,5,8( 12 l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

4-methyl-9-keto-l5a-hydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,8( 1 2 ),l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,15a-dimethyl-9-keto-lSa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(12),!3trans-tetraenoic acid,

6.l5B-dimethyl-9-keto-lSa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12),] 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,6,15B-trimethyl-9-keto-ISa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12 l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid, 4-propyl-6,l5B-dimethyl-9-keto-- -l5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), acid,

l5B-methyl-9-keto-l Sa-hydroxy-ZO 4,5,8(12). l3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

6-ethyll 5B-methyl-9-keto-l Sa-hydroxy-ZO- norprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

6,15,8-dimethy1-9-keto-l 5a-hydroxy-ZO-pentylprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

l5a-ethyl-9-ketol 5a-hydroprosta-4,5 ,8( l2), trans-tetraenoic acid, and

l5/3-propyl-9-keto- I 5a-hydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid, as well as the ISa-alkyl-lSfihydroxy isomers of compounds having said substitution.

EXAMPLE 7 To a solution of 200 mg. of 8R-9-keto-l50zhydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid in 5 m1. of methylene chloride is added an excess of ethereal di- 13-trans-tetraenoic -ethylprostaazomethane, and the reaction mixture is kept at room temperature for 30 minutes. It is then evaporated to dryness under vacuo, to yield 8R-9-keto-l5ahydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester. (II, R and R H;

9-ketol 5a-hydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta 4,5,8( 1 2 l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 6-ethyll 5a-methyl-9-ketol 50z-hydroxy-2O -norprosta-4,5,8( l2),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester.

EXAMPLE 8 To a solution of 200 mg. of 8R-9-keto-l5ahydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester in 10 ml. of methanol, cooled to 0C is added mg. of sodium borohydride, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The solvent is then eliminated under reduced pressure, water is added and the product extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract is washed with 50% saturated sodium chloride solution and water to neutral, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on silica gel using methylene chloride-ethyl acetate mixtures to thus obtain 8R-9a, 15adihydroxyprosta-4,5, l O, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 8R-9/3, ISa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,lS-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester approximately equal amounts (SR-antimers of IV, R and R 3? Me; a:

In a similar manner from the corresponding 9-ketoprostatetraenoic acid alkyl ester compounds there are obtained:

8R-90z, l5a-dihydroxy-2O -bisnorprosta-4,5,l0,l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 8R-9B,l5ozdihydroxy-20-bisnorprosta-4,5,10,1 3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-9a,l5a-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta-4,5,10,1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 8R-9B ,l5adihydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5, l 0, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-9a,l5a-dihydroxy-2O -pentylprosta-4,5.l0,l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 8R-9B,l5adihydroxy-20-pentylprosta-4,5 l 0, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-4-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5.l(),l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 8R-4-methyl- 5,8-dimethyl-9B,l a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5 l 0, l 3-transtetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

8R-6,15B-dimethyl-9a,ISa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester and 8R- 6.15B-dimethyl-9B.l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

8R-4,6, l 5/3-trimethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l(),lB-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester and 8R- 4,6.l 5,8-trimethyl-9B,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,13- trans-tetranoic acid ethyl ester;

8R-4-propyl-6,l5fi-dimethyl-9a,l50zdihydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester and 8R-4-propyl-6,l5B-dimethyl-9B,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,l 0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

8R-l5,B-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxy-20 -ethylprosta- 4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid propyl ester and 8R- 15,8-methyl-9B,l5oz-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,10,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid propyl ester;

901,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), 1 3-transtetraenoic acid methyl ester and 9,8,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8(l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

4-methyl-9a, l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2),13- trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester and 4-methyl-9B,l5a-

dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2 l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

6-methyl-9a,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( 12), 13-

trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester and 6-methyl-9B,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2),l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

4,6-dimethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 4,6-dimethyl- 98,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8,( l2), l3-transtetraenoic acid methyl ester;

901,15a-dihydroxy-2O-bisnorprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3 trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester and 98, l Sa-dihydroxy- -bisnorprosta-4,5,8( 12),] 3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

4-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,8( l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid propyl ester and 4- methyl-9B, l 5a-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta-4,5,8( l 2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid propyl ester;

l5,B-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4.5,8( l2 l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and lSB-methyl- 9B,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4.5,8( 12 l3-transtetraenoic acid methyl ester;

l5B-ethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4.5,8( l2 l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and ISIS-ethyl- 9B,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4.5,8(l2),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

l5,B-propyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta--l.5,8( l2 l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and l5B-propyl- 9,8,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2 l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

4, l 5/3-dimethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(12),]3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 4.- l5B-dimethyl-9fi,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8(l2), l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

6,] 5B-dimethyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxyprosta 4,5,8( l2),l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 6,- 15B-dimethyl-9B,l5ct-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( 12),] 3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester; and

4,6,15,B-trimethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(12), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and 4,6,l5B-trimethyl-9B,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2 l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester, as well as the ISa-alkyl-ISB-hydroxy isomers of the compounds having said substitution.

EXAMPLE 9 A solution of mg, of 9-keto-lSa-hydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(12), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester in 5 ml. of anhydrous ether is cooled to 20C in a dry icecarbon tetrachloride bath and treated, under argon atmosphere, with 12 molar equivalents of ethereal methylmagnesium bromide. The reaction mixture is stirred at 05 C for 8 hours, 2 ml. of methanol are then added, and thereafter the reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml. of ether, and the resultant solution is washed with 50% saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The oily residue is purified by thin layer chromatography using methylene chloride containing 0.5% of methanol as eluant, thus obtaining the pure 9B-methyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and a small amount of 9a-methyl-9B,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester [Vl], RattdR? eBsREaadR. Met, 7

In a similar manner but using ethylmagnesium bromide and propylmagnesium bromide in lieu of methylmagnesium bromide, there are respectively obtained:

9B-ethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroXyprosta-4,5,8( l2 l3- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

9,B-propyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3-

trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester, and small amounts of the corresponding 9a-ethyl(propyl)-9B-hydroxy isomers.

EXAMPLE 10 methyllithium in ether. The reaction mixture is stirred at 70C for minutes, and the temperature is then al-- lowed to rise to 20C, stirring at this temperature for; additional minutes; 2 ml. of methanol and 30 ml. of

In a similar manner, starting from 8R-9-keto-15ahydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester there are obtained 8R-9B-methyl-9a-methyl- 901,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester and a small quantity of the 8R-90zmethyl-9B-hydroxy isomer (SR-antimers of V, R and RFI= H: R a dlit =..M q;. i

H R l.-- -oH,-

EXAMPLE 11 By following the methods of Examples 9 or 10 starting from the corresponding 9-keto compounds and using the appropriate alkylmagnesium halide or alkyllithium, there are obtained the following compounds as main products:

8R-9/3-ethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester.

8R-9B-propyl-9a,l-5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester;

8R-9/3-methyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxy-ZO-bisnorprosta- 4.5.10.13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-9B-methy1-9a,l5a-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,10.l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-9B,20-diethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8 R-9B-ethyl-9a, 1 Soz-dihydroxy--pentylprosta- 4,5,10,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

8R-4,9B-dimethyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,]0,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

9l3- i qhyl-9 a-ihyt rlmaar..- 4.5,10,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-4,6,9,B-trimethyl-9a, 1 Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-6,20-dimethyl-9B-propyl-9a,15ad ihydroxyprosta-{lfi,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester;

8R-9,B,l5B-dimethyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester,

8R-9B-ethyll 5B-methyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester,

8R-9/3-propyl-15B-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,1B-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester,

8R-9B-propyl-15,8-methyl-9a,1Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4.5.10.13-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester,

8R-4.6,9B,15fi-tetramethyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4.5.10.1S-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester,

8R-4-propyl-6,9B,15B-trimethy1-9a,1 5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,1S-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester.

36 8 R-9B,15B-dimethyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxy-ZO- ethylprosta-4,5,10,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid propyl ester,

4,9Bdiethyl-9a, l 5a-dihydroxyyprosta'4,5,8( l 2) 13-trans-tetraenoic acid ethyl ester, 4,9B-dimethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(12),]3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

6,9fi-dimethyl-9a,ISa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( l2),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

4,6,9B-trimethyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( l2),13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

4,6,9/3,15B-tetramethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprost- 4,5,8(12), l3-trans-tetranoic acid methyl ester. 9,8ethyl-9a, l 5a-dihydroxy-ZO-bisnorprosta- 4,5,8(12) ,13-trans-tetraen0ic acid ethyl ester,

4,9B-dimethyl-9a,15oz-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,8(12),13-trans-tetraenoic acid propyl ester, 9,8-methyll 5-ethyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(12), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

9B-methyl-l5B-propyl -9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(l2),13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

8R-9,8,15a-dimethyl-9a,lSB-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester,

8R-4,6,9B,15a-tetramethyl-9a,ISa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,l0,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester, and

4,6,9B, l 5a-tetramethyl-9a, l SB-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8(l2),13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester, obtaining in each case small quantities of the corresponding 9a-alky1-9B-hydroxy isomers.

EXAMPLE 12 Forty-two milligrams of 8R-9a,ISa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,13-tran-tetraenoic acid methyl ester are dissolved by sonication at 37C for 20 minutes in 30 ml. of the lipase solution prepared as described in part A of preparation 15. The reaction mixture is magnetically stirred for 15 minutes at 25C to 27C, adjusting constantly the pH at 7.2 to 7.4 during the reaction period 'with 1N sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction mixture is then cooled to 0C and acidified to pH 5 using a 0.2N hydrochloric acid solution and the product extracted several times from the solution with ethyl acetate and ether. The combined organic extracts are dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under vacuo. The residue is dissolved in methylene-chloride and chromatographed on 3 g. of Florisil. The column is eluted successively with methylene chloride-diethyl ethyl ether mixtures, diethyl ether, diethyl ether-ethyl acetate mixtures, pure ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate-methanol (:20). The fractions eluted with the latter solvent mixture afford the pure 8R- 9a,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,1 3-trans-tetraenoic acid. (SR-antimer of IV, R, R"and R H;

In a similar manner by following the above proce- HRH/3.]wdihydroxy-2U-ethylprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tctracnoic acid,

tilt-9a,]5a-dihydroxy-20-pentylprosta-4,5,10,]3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R'4-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxy prosta-4,5,l0,l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9oz,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,l0,l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6-dimethyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8-4.6,15fi-trimethyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,l3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6-methyl-9/3,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6-dimethyl-9B,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6,l5,B-trimethyl-9,8,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R6-methyl-9a, l 5a-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta- 4,5,l0,l 3 trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6,20'dimethyl-9,B,15 a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-l5B-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4-propyl-6,l5fi-dimethyl-9a,l5adihydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R- 1 5,B'methyl-90z, l 5a-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5, l 0,1 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

l5B-methyl-9a,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( 12), l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,6,15B-trimethyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8,( 1 2),1 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,6,l5B-trimethyl9a,1Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12),l 3-U'ZII1S-[6Il'2t6l'l0iC acid,

l5B-ethyl-9a,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5 ,8( l2), 1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

l5,8-propyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8(12),]3- trans-tetranoic acid,

8R-9B-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5, l 0,1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-9/3'methyl-9a, l 5a-dihydroxy-20-bisnorprosta- 4,5, l O, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R9B-methyl-90z, l 5a-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5, l 0, l 3 -trans-tetraenoic acid,

SR-QB-ethyl-Qa, l Sa-dihydroxy--pentylprosta- 4,5, l 0, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,9[3-dimethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10, l3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-o,9B-dimethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5, 10, l B-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6,9B, l 5a-tetramethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10, l 3trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-4,6,9/3-trimethyl-9a, l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid,

8R-6,ZO-dimethyl-9B-propyl-9a,15adihydroxyprosta4,5,lO, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid, and 8R-9l3-ethyl-15B-methyl-9a,lSa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,10, l 3-trans-tetraenoic acid, as well as the 9a-alkyl-9/3-hydroxy and/or l5a-alkyllSB-hydroxy isomers of the compounds having said substitution.

EXAMPLE 13 A. To a solution of 362 mg. of 9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester in 40 ml. of methanol is added a solution of mg. of sodium hydroxide dissolved in 2 ml. of water, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. It is then poured into water and extracted twice with acetate to isolate the unsaponifiable products. The aqueous phase is cooled to 0C, acidified with ltV/r hydrochloric acid and extracted three times with ethyl ac etate. The combined extracts are washed with 50)? saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, thus obtaining 9a,l5oz-dihydroxyprostatait a lzt rte aenqis add ,(YLRt R5 and R '----oa:

B. Twenty milligrams of 9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12), l3-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester are dissolved in a mixture of 2 ml. of methanol, 2 ml. of water and mg. of potassium carbonate. The reaction mixture is maintained at 40C for 16 hours under nitrogen atmosphere, lO ml. of water are then added, and the reaction mixture is then evaporated under reduced pressure to half volume. It is then acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid to pH 2 and extracted several times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts are washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, thus obtaining 9a,l50z-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( 12), l 3-transtetraenoic acid, identical to the product obtained in part A.

In a similar manner, by following the methods described in parts A or B of this Example, from the corresponding esters of prosta-4,5,8( l2),l3-trans-tetraenoic acid derivatives prepared as described in Examples 8, 9 and 11, there are obtained the corresponding free acids, e.g.:

9,8,15a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l 2),l3-transtetraenoic acid, V 7.

4-methyl-9 a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2),l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

4-ethyl-9oz,l 5oz-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2), 1 3-transtetraenoic acid,

6-methyl-9u,l5oz-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( 12),]3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,6-dimethyl-9a,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( 12), l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,6,9B-trimethyl-9a,l Sa-dihydroxyprosta- 4,5,8( 12),] 3-trans-tetraneoic acid,

4-methyl-9B,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2 ),1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

6-methyl-9B,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8(12),]3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,6-dimethyl-9B,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2),l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

9,8,15a-dihydroxy-ZO-bisnorprosta-4,5,8( l2), l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

93,15a-dihydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5,8( l2),l3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

9fi-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5 ,8( l2),l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

9B-propyl-9a,l 5a-dihydroxyprosta-4,5 ,8( l2), 1 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

4,9,B-diethyl-9a,l 5oz-dihydroxyprosta-4,5,8( l2 l 3- trans-tetraenoic acid,

9B-methyl-9a,l5a-dihydroxy-ZO-ethylprosta- 4,5,8( 12 ),l3-transtetraenoic acid, 

1. A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP OF THOSE REPRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING FORMULA:
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R4 is hydrogen.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R and R4 are hydrogen and R5 is methyl, ethyl or propyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R4 and R5 are hydrogen and R is methyl, ethyl or propyl.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and R4 is hydrogen.
 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R3 is the grouping
 8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein n is
 4. 9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein n is
 6. 10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is a racemic mixture.
 11. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and n is 4, 9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharamaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 12. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen, R4 is methyl and n is 4, 9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-transtetraenoic acid methyl ester.
 13. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R is methyl, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and n is 4, 4-methyl -9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-teTraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 14. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R and R4 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen, R5 is methyl and n is 4, 6-methyl-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 15. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R and R5 are methyl, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen, R4 is hydrogen and n is 4, 4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 16. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 17. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R is methyl, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 18. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R and R4 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 19. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R and R5 are methyl, R3 is the grouping
 20. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and n is 6, 9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 21. A compound according to claim 1 wherein said compound is an 8R-antimer.
 22. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and n is 4, 8R-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 23. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen: R4 is methyl and n is 4, 8R-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid methyl ester.
 24. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R is methyl, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and n is 4, 8R-4-methyl-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 25. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R4 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen, R5 is methyl and n is 4 8R-6-methyl-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 26. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R5 are methyl, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen, R4 is hydrogen and n is 4, 8R-4,6-dimethyl-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxyprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 27. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 28. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 29. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R is methyl, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 30. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R is methyl, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 31. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R4 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 32. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R4 are hydrogen, R3 is the grouping
 33. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R5 are methyl, R3 is the grouping
 34. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R and R5 are methyl, R3 is the grouping
 35. A compound according to claim 21 wherein R, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, R3 is Alpha -hydroxy- Beta -hydrogen and n is 6, 8R-9-keto-15 Alpha -hydroxy-20-ethylprosta-4,5,10,13-trans-tetraenoic acid and the non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 